INFLATABLE Camper Shell? First Look & Install on F150 - FLATED AIR TOPPER
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- HIGHWAY TEST IN RAIN ------}= • Inflatable Camper Shel...
How will an inflatable camper shell work? I take my first look at the new Air Topper from Flated as I blow it up and secure it to my truck. Will it work for camping/overlanding? How about strapping things on top? How do the windows work? Will it just blow off on the highway?
💨 FLATED AIR TOPPER - bit.ly/3LTbSz6
Would you like to help future adventures happen? Access to Trip Smith Volley Space? Trip's Tracks? Consider supporting the channel over on Patreon - / tripsmith
Be sure to watch me test this thing out on the interstate in the rain.... The results put a DAMPer on my vacation.... th-cam.com/video/pWZoUEVCAxQ/w-d-xo.html
❤F las LG por el y su ôú😅úó no😅❤sú es su un😅❤😢😮😅😅
Thanks for your video, made my decision easy.
Well, we have made many improvements to our Air-toppers since you made the wet luggage video.
Cool product sadly it's more than a Leer hard shell camper. So I won't be even considering one until the price is under 1000$
Yeah for $2000 you could buy a super nice and great topper.
I was thinking it would be probably about $800ish so I am shocked to see it's over double that! Way too high IMO.
Regular canopy will probably last longer
Yes I feel this should be below the price of the Softtopper to compete
Look into Softtopper $1000 is what you will spend and is way nicer than this inflatable monstrosity 😂
That's super innovative. If it holds up it could be a game changer.
Cool idea for a temp cover. I would be constantly thinking about it coming off, flapping in the wind, and deflating. I would rather just want something I can forget about and just lock it.
Yea.... I think it's actually going to do really well going down the highway. We shall see! I understand you thinking though. This may be a good option for someone who doesn't want to spend the extra money for a fiberglass topper and may not need it on 100% of the time.
Its VERY expensive!!
Can buy a traditional campershell for same price.
Ahh on that need to.lock tailgate too ..get poplock if you can find
..even if you lock shell you can still open tailgate ..
@@TripSmith for someone that doesn't want to spend the extra money? Dude that thing isn't cheap lmao
@@offroad5798 Cheaper than others I was looking at though.
I've removed and installed a 6.5 foot fiberglass shell solo. It's a hassle, but can be done and I'm 150lbs. You get under the center and carry on on your shoulders and upper back. Just an FYI since many things said to be impossible are very possible with proper technique and know how.
It's possible, but not fun lol
@@TripSmith not fun, but rewarding. I also have a jeep hard top hoist I modified to remove the shell and store it suspended near the ceiling of the garage. The product you reviewed is nice but way too expensive. I could see this being appealing to apartment dwellers or people with very limited storage options tho. Cheers.
I see the utility of this being able to still use your bed when it rains, and gives you more height than a tonneau cover. And more versatile than a hard cover camper shell since it's easy to store if you don't need it
Can u imagine driving through some high winds and it just blows off like a kite 😂
I’m thinking best used off highway or as a camper once you get to your destination. I used to have a truck tent to go in my truck bed. This inflatable shell would be better than that. However, I would get a hard shell for long term use or just use tarps for moving stuff temporarily that need weather protection.
Not sure why anyone would pay nearly 2 grand for this.. Much rather buy a hard shell that will last
when it gets old and leaky, can you fill it with expandible foam to make a hard shell?
Two thousand dollars? Inconceivable!
@@frankrosemeck9898 Expand on your comment, because I don't think you understood mine.
Storage is easier when not installed? Space is a premium when you live in a city
2 grand? Lol I didn’t know price, figured it was made to be cheap, like 300-500$
That’s awesome! But it should be cheaper than a hard top :( I’d say $500-$700 maybe
You can get the Softopper for around $850.
When I think camping, I think of the woods. The first tree that raked across this thing would render it useless. I guess it would work ok if you camp in Target parking lot
Trip: Tell me I can pop my kayak on top of it!
You sure can!
That's a cool idea! Looks pretty well made too!
Sure is!
Cool idea, stay away from narrow, wooded trails with branches pinstriping your vehicle..POP !
This is what I need to camp in snowboarding
There ya go! Problems solved!
I had a inflatable SUP. Pumped it up and used it just fine. Then left it on the shore for 20 minutes. It got too hot and the air expanded and the glue failed and it was ruined. I would be worried about that happening with this thing too.
Thanks for that. Stay safe.
Thanks for the great review, Mur!
Well that's rather unique 🇦🇺
Pretty cool looking Truck Topper enjoyed it Trip
Thanks Chuck!
I can see a use for this. But what about rain? I see a daylight gap between it and bed rails. I hope a vandal doesn’t pop it with a knife?
New subscriber brother, this is awesome...exactly what I needed.. keep up the good work
Thanks for subbing Johnny, glad you found the channel. Need a deal on a topper? Hit me up 👍
If this is anything like a paddleboard type manufacturing (drop stitch). You have to be very careful of how much psi you inflate the topper. When the sun beats down on that cap the air will heat up and expand and causing a leak or worst case a rupture.
Yes you do. I own a number of ISUPs that makes me very aware 👍🏼
@@TripSmith cool. I think it should have been part of your video. A warning to the users who don't read instructions. Like me. Haha
There are clear instructions on the manual as well as on the inflation port on what PSI to pump to so I didn't think it was necessary.
Sasquatch approved: Flated is just making things easier for squatches looking for a midnight snack. ;o)
Probably have an electric pump to inflate it. I'm not lazy, but you did get a bit winded doing it. Not crazy about the velcro closure at the tailgate. Maybe if there was a way of tucking that tail (bottom) in somehow. Curious on how it holds up weather wise, like winter conditions (snow and high winds).
Awesome.
Came for the thumbnail, stayed for the guitar.
Looks cool!
It's unique..... lol
That zipper against the tailgate would concern me.
How water proof is it?
Like the seal between the bed?
I imagine driving while it’s windy or raining might be a bit of a challenge.
Check out the video link in the description Scott, I ride in the back of the truck down the interstate in the rain :)
Does it float like a raft? That’s too cool
Awesome idea. Goes well with a SUP! But will it fly away at 75 mph on the interstate?
Sure does! Nah, it should stay on just fine. I've already had it up to probably 50-60 around town. But will be taking it at interstate speeds soon ;)
Umm ...were those windows attached with Velcro? In my experience Velcro lose its gripping abilities when it gets wet.
Probably okay for the occasional fair weather use.
If only they made one that fit over a toolbox.
water tight?
wind proof? aka can it handle a wind storm. or just driving down the freeway at 70 mph for 8 hrs?
the air pressure changes when “that” semi passes you?
looks neat in the driveway. but in use after a year?
worst part and i see as a BIG fail. it is only one big air bladder. one pinhole leak and its done.
This cost 2K??? I was thinking 200 hundred. 😎
This's great 👍
Pretty cool for sure....
Nifty.
Id buy this for my gladiator but only if it was around $800
It isn't cheap....
Neat. But seriously, so expensive.
I wish I saw this before I bought my SofTopper.
They are pretty new.... I'd like to try a SoftTopper as well.... How do you like yours?
@@TripSmith my first season with the SofTopper. So far so good. Your inflatable seems much easier to install and I like that little extra head room it gives you. SofTopper less expensive as well. Good product.
Wife: Walks out. 😘
Husband: Hey! You're just in time to help me lift this onto the bed of the truck!
Wife: Walks back inside! 😢
---------------------------------
They need to give a "high top" option.
I did not know such a thing even existed
wowie :)
Drive down the hiway at 75 mph. BWAAAAHAHAHA
Super interesting but for me the price of 2k just doesn't make any sense to buy this over a really nice topper or basic one and save 1k. Clicked on it thinink it be really nice as like a cheap makeshift tent/camper... but just way to expensive vs utility at least imo.
Ive seen a few of these on the road it wasnt blowing or moving on the ones that passed me
Yea, they stay on just fine....
That is a slick setup, But I do have a question. Are the straps that held the side windows are they part of the window or part of the side? You rolled the side windows down and wrapped them up, I guess they are like old Jeep front side windows.
I have a camper shell on my F250 and they had to use a fork lift to put it on , very heavy.
They are part of the actual topper, separate from the windows. Yea, this sucker is very light.....
Wow my used truck cap was 300
I think that's what mine was that I replaced this one with lol
Do you think this is safe for dogs to go in the back
That’s cool is it universal for any truck or do you buy it for certain make?
It's somewhat universal. Basically they have three sizes right now. Full Size Long Bed, Full Size Short Bed, and Mid Size Long Bed Trucks.
@@TripSmith Oh okay thanks.
Half that price I’d get a softopper
Doesn't seem like the rear access door seals.... like at all. Driving in light snow would fill your bed and all your stuff by the looks of it.
Show me the first ride!
Have fun driving down the highway doing 70 when that think takes off like a kite
I think we did 80+ mph with me in the back of it down the interstate in the rain. That video is linked in the description ;)
Looks good but the price!
I like it
Me too!!!!
I think it needs solar panels on the roof they do make flex panels
No replacement for a topper. Might as well set up a tent .
There are certainly some things that aren't going to compare to a fiberglass topper. Just curious, to you what are the important aspects that are missing?
If you live or camp out of the truck bed then the lacking of a door that allows you to get out easier then unzipping the plastic. Security, a sharp knife gets in and gets your belongings. Can’t really mount solar panels or carrier to top. Probably won’t last very long before leaking. Aluminum toppers are pretty light compared to fiberglass. Most people put the topper on and leave it as they store tools and material in there if they use it for work and even to get groceries and carry supplies and secure them. If you wanted to have an awning that’s out . To me the money would be far better invested in something that’s going to last and be able to adapt.
@@chrispaulick All great a valid points 👍 I think if someone wants a permanent topper, these may not be the answer. But if someone just needs it on occasion and not for hardcore uses, then it may be a good option.
I wish aluminum toppers looked better.....
Now that you have had this for a year what are your thoughts on it?
I have a fiberglass shell now..... I like to have my shell on 100% of the time, for that, fiberglass is much better. If I needed to use my shell just a few times a year, I'd consider the Flated. But I'd always be concerned about my stuff getting wet.
Highway speeds. During a snow storm….. hmmmmm.
It's worth about tree fiddy in my opinion
Interesting, but it wouldn’t protect you against a bear and it looks like it could be stolen easy!
Awesome concept....but 2000 dollars??? Hard pass. I'd buy a softtopper or canvas topper before dropping 2k on this.
If the company is still getting it right, I'll wait till they do
How much
Pretty cool, not for 2k though
I don't know why in the world u would pay almost 2k for one when u could pick up a normal one for way cheeper that would last longer
Just installed the air topper and air deck on my 2021 Tacoma and have driven it a couple hundred miles at speeds up to 90mph. There is no way this thing is coming off, and there isn't anything that "flaps in the wind" It's dead quiet. It's so strong you can stand on it. I did a lot of research before pulling the trigger. Think of a paddle board and various inflatable boats, they endure rocks, branches and extreme temperatures without issue. I live in Arizona and can tell you first hand the heat is not an issue, in fact, being 4" thick it's going to be much better insulated than a fiberglass shell. You inflate it to 7lbs, where as my paddle board (same material) inflates to 20+ lbs. I get the skepticism but if you've ever been around the boating industry you would know just how strong this stuff is. It weighs 50lbs and is easily removed. I haul dirt bikes but still wanted an easy to use and easy to store camper shell.
You're spot on in my opinion Mike 😎👍
I should add, if you are inflating at home and have access to a shop vac, this thing blows up super fast !
where did you buy it? can u send me a link?
Hmmm, We play at the sand dunes, often........the wind gusts get rather, GUSTY, not sure about the durability.
I have a hard shell on my rig with sliding windows.
Can't see it any other way.
This might be a good idea for a 1st stage overland build for the beginner....I just don't see it in the long run.
Mike or Trip. Does it do a good job with "sound insulation" - meaning is it quiet inside? Wife likes the kids to have a quiet place to sleep camping. Does this fit the bill? Thanks!
I will be interested in seeing how this works at various highway speeds and in various types of weather. How much will it really stand up to, and how well does it seal out stormy weather and protect the cargo? Also, how much does it restrict visibility to the rear and the rear sides? I am assuming that with this shell in place visibility is effectively blocked.
One pro that I see is that this is something I can potentially put on and take off as needed, without removing my three-panel folding bed cover.
I am a little concerned about the way the zippers overlap and flap against the tailgate. It looks like these could beat up the paint while driving.
With the exception of your last sentence, that is exactly what I was hoping to see. Because if you are going to treat a truck bed/rails/gate like a princess, this is hardly going to compliment your mall crawler show piece.
@@WW-wf8tu I live near the coast, where salt and humidity tend to cause rust quickly. I'm not going for pretty, but I do want the integrity of my paint coverage protected.
We have a speed limit of 70 mph here in the UK on our motorways I would also like to see how it travels at a speed
Bear's and Bigfoots are gonna LOVE this!!!
I had a greenhouse that
relied on the inflated
plastic sheets idea, and
that thing lasted fifteen
years through several
hurricanes. Make sure
you keep your patch
kit in your glove box.
Good luck to you;
I would try this!
That is
An interesting
Story. I read it
And said to my self,
Hmmm.
Neat idea just way to expensive for camping a couple times a year!
Omg yes, wtf is up with that price?!? Ridiculous.
@@ArbitraryLifestyle I mean it's basically three custom SUPs, so price should be close to three SUPs.
It's actually half the cost of a fiberglass shell though..... So if you want a shell, it's a good option
@JP Seems like I priced one and it was that high.... Unfortunately used isn't an option for the 2021 year model as they changed the beds so older models don't fit.... Or I'd have a used one 😉👍
This is a “you are the beta tester” kind of thing. That being said, it is cool with many uses. I’m sure it’ll improve and go down in price quick. I can see these having problems at first when the speed to drag ratio hits its limit in some cases and a few go flying.
Yea, I think you are right. We shall see! Fun being on the ground floor.
Jens Williamson, III (Deaf)
Add:
Your advantage if Leer Hard Shell Camper (Used) or ARE Hard Shell Camper (Used) or Uresti Hard Shell Camper (Used). You can afford?
Be smart! Please take a look at Google. You can study it. Good Luck!
Thanks for your time. Have a good year in 2022!
Respectfully,
Jens Williamson, III
😎😷👍🇺🇲
Bexar County 🇨🇱
Retired ID
Hearing Impaired
The Disability
It is your choice or your Dream?
You CAN.....☘️
Jens Williamson, III (Deaf)
I do not like "flated" camper because Someone can break in easy like thief. I prefer The ARE hard shell with good two windows camper with lock. Good Luck! If somebody want to buy the flated camper. It is up to you all. Thanks for your time. Have a great day!
Respectfully,
Jens Williamson, III
😎😷👍🇺🇲
Bexar County 🇨🇱
Retired ID
Hearing Impaired
The Disability
Where to buy:
Leer Hard Shell Camper (classic)
ARE Hard Shell Camper (good)
Uresti Hard Shell Camper (good)
You can compare first before you buy one or not. It is up to you!
Good Luck!
Why would anyone pay $1900 for this? There is no benefit at that price. A hardshell will look better and last longer.
That's really cool! I can see where that would really be a nice-to-have. Wondering how rainproof will actually be, especially since most of your inside items are going to be on the truck bed floor. Also additional side and back privacy curtains since those on the bedliner are on the outside. Those are small add-ons to consider but overall it seems nice for its intended use. Nice that it's high too, plenty of head room and then some extra for sure 👍
I like it! It seems convenient to set-up and take on and off for someone like me who would be doing it by myself. I also don't have a lot of storage space, so this is really interesting. I'm wondering about how it will stand up in the rain. I look forward to see it in use. Thanks for the review.
So it could be a camper, temp topper, or replacement for hard topper. Inflatable kayaks work great and are very durable but pricey at $1,000+, so this is in that price range.
As a camper, the extremely low weight and easy mounting is fantastic, but the outside zippers are a no-go for me - on actual camper canvas windows, screen/blackout/window zippers are mounted inside, so this is made more for outside window access.
As a temp topper, great for one person easy off/on.
As a replacement to a basically permanent hard top, it is a bit pricey and less secure.
Still, interesting. Thanks for showing it!
I could see someone going down the road and this blowing off their truck.
This will bring a new meaning to: "I can't go camping because my camper has a flat"
I have definitely done that by myself multiple times with my fiberglass shell
Why are you not going to nitpick it? I want to know your “Honest” opinion. At the end of the video you don’t seem to impressed and that concerns me and makes me less likely to purchase this shell.
Because it was a new product. Still using it though but it's not for me. Check out yesterdays video where I camped in it - th-cam.com/video/qRoSwXitZVQ/w-d-xo.html&lc=Ugzsd_izes0ZNZDrwO94AaABAg
No way worth 1,900
You can buy a aluminum one for that
Hard pass. It’s going to leak.
What is your instragram info? Interesting top, didn't think it would be so rigid, price is way much for my tastes.
@tripoutthere 😉🤙
Wait wait wait. 2k dollars? Heeelllllllllllllllllllllllll to the no tonthe no no no.
I thought it looked kinda cool... that is until I saw the $2000 price!
"and in my next video, I test out an automatic air pump"
This is pricey. Used campers shells are cheap or free.
I love my Cheyenne with hard topper. I truck camp in it all the time. I used a futon mattress instead of modern foam. And and 4 -5 gallon buckets and lids for gear. Put a rack on top with 2-8 ft. Long, 6 inch pvc pipe water storage tanks. I use it hauling a lot so I can’t build out a dedicated living space. But it works great to take on vacation, and the occasional weekend. I just hose it out at the neighborhood car wash first.
The topper takes up space on the side of my house when I have it off( most of the time). And it’s a really heavy one from 1991. I bought it new when I bought the truck.This makes things really easy.
It's pretty cool looking but $2k is too much. I'd be interested at $500 to $700.
Too expensive and looks like shite anyways. Who would pay that much for something that makes what you put it on look silly AF?
I have mixed feelings about this. My personal go-to is a soft trifold tonneau cover, because it's light, and can be removed and installed by myself in seconds, in case I have to haul a tall load.
This product seems to ALMOST have that advantage, if not for the inflation/deflation time. That makes it take way longer, and be way less convenient to install and remove than the tonneau. So, I'm actually seriously wondering, how often will it be removed to really take advantage of it's portability over a hardshell topper?
Curious as to how well it stands in winter weather. Not so much snow load, more deflate gate concern 😂
Man that's cool I didn't know that was a product.. I've been wanting a cover for my f150 too.
Yes it is!!!! Might be worth trying ;)
I too would never purchase this inflatable for more the price of a hard shell. Also I question the security of it. While I haven't "camped" in years, more like decades, I have kept camper shells on the bed of my pick-ups to keep at least a modicum of security from would be thieves. It's just a small deferent against those who might be tempted to reach in an open bed and grab a chainsaw or tool box. My experience many decades ago of having vandals rip through my 1966 Mustang's "Rag Top" with a knife and tear it to shreds to steal some worthless items I had inside cured me from going canvas any more.
Good 1st attempt.
Except the cover needs to have a center brake light.
Did some research while writing this.
Yes, it needs a brake light.
No, it doesn't need a brake light.
Check with your local DMV.
Law enforcement might give you a hard time and ticket you, even tho they might be wrong.
Yeah 2k is a bit much it’s a cool concept. Just not for 2k so this video is 2 yrs old I found it has dropped to 1299 still a bit much you get these down to about 5-600 bucks you’ll sell a ton of them I might get one if its 600. 1200 is still a bit too much. But again the concept is cool